Commenting on the BBC Newsline Facebook page, Ms Walker said: "Funny because I see Anna Lo as racist! Towards the people of Northern Ireland."

Ms Walker is understood to be the DUP candidate for Newtownabbey mayor.

However, other parties have questioned her suitability.

Alliance councillor Billy Webb said: "I am appalled and outraged by these disgusting comments by an elected representative.

"I believe that she was to be the DUP choice for mayor of Newtownabbey Council, however, Alliance will be opposing her appointment as we do not believe she can hold the top civic position in Newtownabbey after she made these comments.

"If we are to reduce tension in our society and combat racism, then the last thing we need is a councillor making such a stupid remark.

"I would call on her to apologise and retract her comments."

'Simply ridiculous'

The Ulster Unionist Party has also criticised Ms Walker for her remarks and said the DUP should reconsider nominating her for the position of mayor on Monday.

Councillor Mark Cosgrove said: "I have worked with Dineen for the last three years, but I am disappointed with her comments regarding Anna Lo.

"I may disagree with many of her political views, but to call Anna Lo a racist is simply ridiculous and is only likely to further alienate our ethnic minorities who have enriched the UK in so many ways."

"There must be no grey areas when utterly condemning the twin evils of sectarianism and racism.

"I am confident that these views would certainly not be shared by the people of Newtownabbey and must place a huge question mark on Dineen's suitability to become the first citizen at our AGM on Monday night and I am calling on the DUP to reflect on that in the coming days."